How do coral reef conservationists balance the environmental needs of the reefs with locals who need the reefs to survive? Joshua Drew draws on the islands of Fiji and their exemplary system of protection, called "connectivity," which also keep the needs of fishermen in mind.

KEY CONCEPT As the human population grows, the demand for Earth’s resources increases. Acid rain

Earth’s human population continues to grow. Earth’s human carrying capacity is unknown. Why has the carrying capacity increased in recent years?

Technology has helped to increase Earth’s carrying capacity. gas-powered farm equipment (crop production) medical advancements (antibiotics, antiseptics)

The growing human population exerts pressure on Earth’s natural resources. Nonrenewable resources are used faster than they form. Coal 2006 – 77 million barrels of oil/day Oil Natural gas Nuclear

Renewable resources cannot be used up or can replenish themselves over time. Water Sunlight (solar) Geothermal Wind

Effective management of Earth’s resources will help meet the needs of the future. Earth’s resources must be used responsibly. Careless use of resources makes them unavailable to future generations. Easter Island is an example of irresponsible resource use.

An ecological footprint is the amount of land needed to support a person. (The Human Footprint Video – life science) The land must produce and maintain enough food and water shelter energy waste

Several factors affect the size of the ecological footprint. amount and efficiency of resource use amount and toxicity of waste produced